Kashmir dispute must be resolved for lasting peace in South Asia, says Rana Qasim Noon

Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, has said that lasting peace in South Asia is unattainable without Kashmir dispute resolution. Addressing overseas Kashmiris in Dallas, Texas, he said most demands raised in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been met, and urged the diaspora to view developments there rationally and objectively. Noon reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people, while drawing a clear distinction between the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Message to overseas Kashmiris

Speaking to overseas Kashmiris, Noon addressed their concerns about the recent unrest and loss of lives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested that the situation is sometimes portrayed abroad in a way that does not fully reflect ground realities, and described the dispute as an “internal matter” — akin to disagreements within a family that can be resolved through engagement.

He said a new government has taken office in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with hopes for gradual improvement, and encouraged the Kashmiri diaspora to keep a rational and objective perspective on events in the region.

JAAC demands and the situation in AJK

On the demands put forward by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) — proscribed under the Anti-Terrorism Act on 5 June 2026 — Noon said a significant majority of its 38-point charter of demands have already been accepted by the government following negotiations in September–October 2025. He alleged that certain elements are exaggerating the situation and that external forces are attempting to exploit the unrest for their own agendas.

The JAAC movement, which emerged in 2023 around demands for cheaper electricity and flour, the reduction of official privileges and greater economic and political rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, led to violent clashes and fatalities in May 2024 and September 2025.

Distinguishing AJK from IIOJK

Noon drew a clear distinction between the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and that in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He highlighted the large military deployment and reported human rights violations in IIOJK, arguing the two situations cannot be compared. Pakistan’s national agenda, he said, fundamentally includes Kashmir.

Kashmir dispute resolution: Pakistan’s position at the UN

Reflecting on his recent visit to the United States as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation, Noon said the Prime Minister forcefully raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly, clearly articulating Pakistan’s position to the international community.

Noon reiterated Islamabad’s long-standing stance that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s national agenda, underscoring that Pakistan stands with Kashmiris politically, morally, diplomatically and socially. Differences, he added — like those between a father and son — should not be misconstrued as a fundamental break in the relationship.

Key facts

Conclusion

Noon’s remarks underscore Pakistan’s consistent policy on the Kashmir dispute and its centrality to regional peace. His outreach to overseas Kashmiris aimed to reassure the diaspora and clarify the government’s perspective on recent events in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while his call for rational engagement and dialogue signals a continued commitment to resolving outstanding issues through political means.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Kashmir dispute?

According to Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noon, lasting peace in South Asia hinges on resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with Pakistan’s long-standing position.

What did Rana Qasim Noon say about overseas Kashmiris?

He urged them to view recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir rationally and objectively, noting that the situation is sometimes portrayed abroad in ways that do not fully reflect ground realities.

How does Noon differentiate AJK from IIOJK?

He highlighted the large military deployment and reported human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, arguing the two situations are not comparable.

What was the Prime Minister’s action at the UN?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forcefully raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly, clearly articulating Pakistan’s position to the international community.